Spring Cleaning: A Checklist to Whip Your Apartment into Shape

Tracy Kaler is a lifestyle writer in New York City. Her articles have appeared on BrickUnderground, Metro NY, Olive Oil Times, Business Insider, and a host of other blogs and websites. When she’s not blogging, you can find her wandering the streets of New York City or fluffing pillows in her Upper West Side apartment.

After another brutal winter, New Yorkers are thrilled with the start of spring weather and the official first day on March 20. With milder temperatures, chirping robins, and blooming buds (hopefully) headed our way, there’s no time like the present to schedule an annual spring-cleaning.

I’m not fond of cleaning (is anyone?), but I’m extremely fond of the results when I’m finished. So I say, keep your eyes on the prize as you start purging, scouring, and sweeping, knowing that the hours of hard work will be worth the time and trouble.

– Vacuum upholstery, cushions, under the cushions, as well as throw pillows.

– Wipe all stainless steel surfaces in your kitchen, as well as the faucet and sink (if metal) with a stainless steel cleaner.

– Clean out the fridge. This isn’t fun, but it is a must! Remove all items and discard any expired foods or condiments. Windex each glass shelf. Wipe down the door compartments and crispers.

– Run the grates on your stovetop through the dishwasher or scrub by hand. To clean your oven, make a paste of water and baking soda, which does a dynamite job. Note: This method doesn’t work if you store sweaters in your oven like Carrie Bradshaw.

– Every New York City apartment has a microwave. Just scrub it until it’s clean. Windex works well here.

– Now on to the bathroom. Use a cleaner like Bon Ami and some good old-fashioned bleach and a brush to scrub your toilet bowl, sink, and tub. Pull out the stainless/metal cleaner and use it on the faucets and showerhead.

– Use a gentle cleanser like Bon Ami or Comet and a brush in your shower, toilet and bathroom sink. Bleach toilet as needed.

– Wash fabric shower curtains and replace vinyl curtains and liners. If you have a shower door, now’s the time to give it a good scrub with shower cleaner. Don’t forget to do the same with the tile in your surround.

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